This film begins with a lot of promise. Unfortunately, the vehicle of "suspension of disbelief" quickly careens off the road to "Black Comedy". With brief-but-pivotal supporting roles this year in both "A History of Violence" and "Syriana", it is a true blessing to see Mr. William Hurt on celluloid again. To no surprise, Gael Garcia Bernal, Pell James, Paul Dano and Laura Harring are all convincing in their respective roles, as well. For some reason though, this film reminded me of Gus van Sant's "Elephant": the absurdity of Reality (cinéma réalité). Also, a bit of jarring tension in "The King" comes from its musical score, which somehow sounds displaced (put in the wrong context) -- but perhaps that is being a little too picky. Overall, this film is definitely a must-see for Hurt and Bernal fans!
